Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging detects anatomical and functional changes in rat cervical spine microvasculature with normal aging.

Normal aging is associated with significant deleterious cerebrovascular changes; these have been implicated in disease pathogenesis and increased susceptibility to ischemic injury. While these changes are well documented in the brain, few studies have been conducted in the spinal cord. Here, we utilize specialized contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging to investigate age-related changes in cervical spinal vascular anatomy and hemodynamics in male Fisher 344 rats, a common strain in aging research.

Prospects of siRNA cocktails as tools for modifying multiple gene targets in the injured spinal cord.

Unlabelled: Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) has been touted as a boon for identifying potential therapies for difficult-to-treat pathologies. In this regard, siRNA-mediated gene silencing for tackling the multifaceted pathophysiology of spinal cord injury seemed promising. The genes caspase 3 and sarm1 were targeted in the present study, using siRNAs in a rodent model of spinal cord injury, as the feasibility of concomitant silencing of more than one gene had not been previously attempted.

Fibrin clot adhesion to root surface treated with tetracycline hydrochloride and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid: A scanning electron microscopic study.

Background: Connective tissue attachment following periodontal regenerative surgery is directly related to the attachment of fibrin clot on to the root surface during early wound healing events. The adhesion of fibrin clot to the root surface affected by periodontal disease depends on the biologic acceptance of the root surface which can be accomplished by various root conditioning procedures during periodontal therapy. The present in vitro study has been designed to evaluate and compare the degree of fibrin clot adhesion to root surfaces treated with root conditioning agents tetracycline hydrochloride and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Viruses: are they really culprits for periodontal disease? A critical review.

Periodontal diseases are multifactorial, and many etiological agents are suggested to play a role in their etiopathogenesis. Various risk factors are also suggested to influence the progression of periodontal disease. Until recently, specific bacteria were considered the major pathogens for the disease.